Official Warning: Sussex Thunderstorms Later This Week

Britain's official weather forecasters are warning everyone in Sussex to be aware of thunderstorms probably on the way between late on Wednesday and Saturday.

The Met Office said that, although there remains significant uncertainty in location and timing, areas of thunderstorms are expected to enter much of southern England and Wales, on two occasions later this week.

The first set of storms is expected on Wednesday evening, with a second, longer group, possible on Friday afternoon, evening and night.

It is possible that they will move generally from south to north.

Some intense thunderstorms might occur during this period with torrential rain, hail, frequent lightning and strong gusty winds possible.

Rainfall totals of around 30 mm could fall in an hour, with some locations potentially receiving around 50 mm in 2-3 hours, although these will be fairly isolated, forecasters predicted.

There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds

Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

The weather animation (above) shows Wednesday evening's prediction from the German weather service Deutsche Wetterdienst, based on data supplied at 6am on Tuesday morning.